Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe
This rich and creamy Ricotta Cheesecake combines the smooth textures of cream cheese and ricotta for a luscious dessert. Lightly sweetened with sugar and flavored with lemon juice and vanilla, it’s baked to perfection for a velvety finish. The addition of sour cream adds tanginess and moisture, ensuring a perfectly balanced, silky cheesecake. Served chilled and optionally garnished with fresh fruit, this cheesecake is a delightful treat for any occasion.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Cheese Base
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 container (16 ounces) ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
- 1 pint sour cream
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Optional
- Fresh fruit (for serving)
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan to prepare it for the cheesecake batter.
- Beat cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and drained ricotta cheese until the mixture is smooth and well blended, free of lumps.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Add the eggs, granulated sugar, melted and cooled butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, then gradually stir them into the cheese and egg mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold in sour cream: Gently fold the pint of sour cream into the batter until it is uniformly incorporated, adding moisture and a slight tang.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for an additional hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
- Cool completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature until it reaches room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake until thoroughly chilled, which typically takes at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Remove the sides of the springform pan, slice the cheesecake, and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and to prevent lumps.
- Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to maintain a light texture.
- Draining the ricotta if it’s watery helps avoid excess moisture.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven helps prevent cracking on the surface.
- Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly enhances its texture and flavor before serving.
- Fresh berries or sliced fruits make excellent garnishes to complement the cheesecake’s flavor.
Keywords: Ricotta cheesecake, creamy cheesecake recipe, Italian cheesecake, baked ricotta dessert, sour cream cheesecake